The United States has imposed new sanctions on Cuba’s state oil company, sparking strong criticism from Havana and warnings of worsening hardship for ordinary Cubans. The move comes amid ongoing fuel shortages and blackouts on the island. Cuban officials and international observers say the restrictions will have far-reaching effects.
Us Sanctions Target Cuban Oil Sector
The US Department of State announced on Thursday that it had added Cuba’s state oil and gas company, CUPET, to its sanctions list. Officials in Washington argue that CUPET’s “key assets” were “unlawfully expropriated from American owners years ago.” US Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed the Cuban government has “weaponized” energy by “hoarding” fuel for the military and rationing it for civilians.
The latest measures are part of a broader campaign to pressure the Cuban government. US President Donald Trump previously described regime change in Cuba as a “question of time.” The embargo, in place since 1960, has been tightened repeatedly over the years.
Cuban Officials Condemn Us Actions
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla responded sharply to the new sanctions. In a statement posted on X, he accused Rubio of using “crude lies” to justify the US position.
“the most aggressive, uncouth, and rabid [lies] among Cuba’s enemies.”
Parrilla further alleged that Rubio is “driven by ambitions of conquest.” He also suggested that Rubio’s stance is influenced by “vengeful sentiments of the elitist clique that propelled his political career.”
Impact On Cuban Society And Economy
Pedro Pablo Prada, a former Cuban ambassador to Argentina, warned that the sanctions would have a direct impact on the population. He stated that the restrictions would affect “fuel, electricity generation, transportation, production, and daily life of millions of Cubans.” Prada described the US approach as a “political and economic offensive” targeting Cuba’s energy sector.
Cuba has faced severe fuel shortages and daily blackouts in recent months. The situation worsened after Venezuela, previously Cuba’s main oil supplier, halted shipments under US pressure.
International Response And Humanitarian Concerns
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk has raised alarms about the humanitarian consequences of the US sanctions. Turk reported that the measures have led to “acute shortages of essential medical supplies” and contributed to increased child mortality on the island.
“unacceptable”
is how Turk described the situation for ordinary Cubans, noting that infant mortality rates have doubled since the fuel blockade was imposed.
Several countries, including Russia, China, and Mexico, have stepped in to provide humanitarian assistance to Cuba. In late March, Moscow delivered approximately 700,000 barrels of crude oil to help alleviate the crisis.